Catching up with Drew Eason after his commitment to Stonehill

December 20, 2023

I had a chance to catch up with Methuen’s Drew Eason after his commitment to Stonehill on Tuesday. Eason has been one of the most prolific passers in Massachusetts the past four years. He was a big factor in the resurgence of the Methuen football program in recent years and led the Rangers to the Division One semi-finals in 2022. Now Eason moves on to Stonehill to play for coach……

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Way-Too-Early MIAA Watchlist

December 17, 2023

I’ve always been against publishing these kinds of lists because, as the title suggests, they’re way too early. In fact, these teams are so far from a finished product, and further than they will be at any point in the offseason. Maybe the best argument against this is #TransferSeason, which will for sure alter these rosters. Yet here we are, and publishing this, because, above all else, it’s fun. So without any……

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Champions Q&A: Xaverian coach Al Fornaro

December 13, 2023

It was quite a year for the Xaverian Hawks. Injuries hit this team hard, but it kept winning at a high level. The finishing run included wins over Springfield Central, Needham, and St. John’s Prep (twice in six days). So, yes, this D1 state title? The Hawks earned every bit of it. We spoke to Xaverian coach Al Fornaro to get his thoughts on the season, and how it came……

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Class LL — Staples 21, West Haven 20 — Wreckers prevail in instant classic

December 9, 2023

By Matt Spalding NEFJ Correspondent NEW BRITAIN — Staples edged out West Haven, 21-20, in an emotional Class LL title game. It was impassioned from the coin toss, as Staples and West Haven battled in an instant classic in New Britain. A crisp night sky was full of worlds of emotions at Arute Field in New Britain. While every state title game is a huge deal for the schools playing……

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Class SS — Joel Barlow 21, Watertown 20 — Falcons repeat in a thriller

December 9, 2023

By Tony Catalina NEFJ Correspondent EAST HARTFORD — The Joel Barlow Falcons faced off with the Watertown Warriors for the Class SS crown Saturday, and came out on top with a thrilling, 21-20 victory. In what was the most entertaining game of the day at Rentschler Field, the Falcons hung on in the final seconds to secure their second straight state title. When asked about the season, coach TJ Cavaliere……

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